Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s agent met Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and co-chairman Avram Glazer at Fulham. Glazer attended a United match for the first time since the Champions League defeat to Juventus at Old Trafford in October and was sat next to Woodward. Solskjaer’s representative Jim Solbakken was also in the directors’ box and spoke with the United board members.
The attendance of a Glazer sibling, and that of Solbakken, is potentially significant as United consider their next permanent managerial appointment. United made it 10 wins from 11 under Solskjaer at Craven Cottage and have risen into the top four for the first time since the opening day of the season.
Solskjaer’s predecessor, Jose Mourinho, said it would take a ‘miracle’ for United to finish in a Champions League qualifying spot. Woodward usually attends every United game and often visits the dressing room after matches to congratulate the players, while the Glazer siblings have also entered the dressing room in the past.
Solskjaer met Glazer in the visitors’ dressing room but did not elaborate on what he discussed with Avram, one of the six Glazer siblings who co-own United. “Well I’ve just spoken to him outside,” Solskjaer said. “He came into the dressing room. Of course they’re all happy after winning the game. Who I meet and when I meet people is not really up for me to tell!”
Paul Pogba continued his outstanding recent form, scoring twice in a man of the match performance, while Anthony Martial – recently handed a new contract – scored a superb individual effort. Solskjaer made six changes to the side that beat Leicester last weekend as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Another report has disclosed that Manchester United could announce Ashley Young’s contract renewal before the Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain. The Manchester Evening News reported last week Young, 33, was expected to sign a new one-year contract, having entered the last five months of his current contract. Sources close to the deal say United could confirm Young’s extension on Monday, possibly before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pre-match press conference.
Young is poised to become the fifth United player to ink new terms in the last two months. Chris Smalling, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Phil Jones have all received new contracts and Luke Shaw also committed his long-term future to United in October. United have also opened dialogue with Marcus Rashford about an improved deal.